Francis Thomas Grice, Jr. Death News – Authorities in Multnomah County have launched an investigation into a deadly single-vehicle incident that occurred on Sauvie Island. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) confirmed that the case began on Monday afternoon after emergency dispatchers received a call reporting a vehicle fire along a rural stretch of Northwest Oak Island Road. The initial report, made shortly before 3 p.m., indicated that a truck was on fire and that human remains were found near the scene, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement and emergency personnel.
Once deputies arrived, they began a thorough review of the situation to determine what might have caused the crash and fire. Investigators later identified the victim as 39-year-old Francis Thomas Grice, Jr. Officials explained that standard procedures include toxicology testing, and those results will be processed by the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office to help clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident. At this stage, investigators say there is no evidence suggesting that anyone else was inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.
According to MCSO, the nature of the scene required a detailed response from detectives trained in handling serious traffic-related incidents. A detective from the East County Vehicular Crimes Team has taken the lead role in examining the case. This specialized team works on complex vehicle-related investigations, helping determine whether factors such as mechanical issues, environmental conditions, or other circumstances played any role in what happened.
The sheriff’s office noted that the investigation is still in progress. Detectives have been documenting the scene, gathering physical evidence, and reviewing any available witness information. They also emphasized that early stages of such inquiries often involve coordinating with multiple agencies, including fire officials and medical examiners, to compile a clear timeline and accurate set of facts.
Although the crash happened in a relatively quiet part of Sauvie Island, investigators are treating the case with the same level of care applied to all fatal traffic incidents. The isolated location and the presence of a vehicle fire required additional steps to ensure the area was safe for responders and that evidence was preserved properly.
Authorities have not released further details about what might have led up to the crash, and no final conclusions have been made public. Investigators are continuing to piece together information to better understand the events that occurred before the vehicle fire was reported. Officials often wait for the medical examiner’s findings, including toxicology results, before providing updates, as those results can help clarify many aspects of the case.
The sheriff’s office expressed appreciation for the patience of community members who live in or travel through the Sauvie Island area. They assured the public that they will share verified updates once the investigation reaches a stage where additional information can responsibly be released.
For now, the focus remains on completing a careful and structured review of the evidence. The sheriff’s office has encouraged anyone with credible knowledge regarding the incident to contact investigators. Even small details, they said, can be helpful in reconstructing events accurately.
The tragic loss of life has prompted condolences from those following the case. Local authorities extended their sympathies to the family and friends of Francis Thomas Grice, Jr., noting that fatal accidents deeply affect loved ones as well as the community.
The investigation will continue until detectives can determine, to the extent possible, the factors that contributed to the crash. No further information has been released at this time as officials continue their work.
